5 lanes of fail

I have recently spent a few weeks driving across the United States.  I have come to the conclusion that our highway system is flawed.  Between cities miles and miles of highway exist that are composed of two lanes in each direction.   This system works well but even here two problems become clear.  The first is a differential speed limit between trucks and cars.  The second is the misuse of the left-most lane.

As you approach a city, the highway changes.  The number of exits increases dramatically.  However, what is more problematic is an increase in the number of lanes.  In some cases five lanes are used.  The misuse of lanes also increases.  In California and in select other areas the issue is further exasperated by inclusion of an HOV lane.

The results vary depending on the amount of traffic, but the same patterns seemed to emerge again and again.  I very much hope that the HOV lane has increased the use of carpooling.  However, the merging and changing of lanes is downright frightening.  The problem of individuals misusing the left-most lane simply shifts over and is worsened by those passing through it.

The left lane is not the only lane that is misused.  The lane directly right of it becomes filled with many individuals who simply wish to avoid switching lanes and merging.  An unfortunate result of this is a great deal of passing on the right.  With passing now happening on both sides, a group of drivers become more obvious.  They attempt to weave through traffic.  Although this can be accomplished on a motorcycle in what I consider a dangerous way, the result for any vehicle with more than two wheels is simply an act of futility.

All in all, the lesson is simple.  If you find yourself driving and you are not in the right lane, answer three simple questions:
1. Is the right lane ending?
2. Are your preparing to use an exit on the left or make a left turn?
3. Are you passing another vehicle?

If you answered "No" to these 3 questions, you are doing it wrong.